Boxelder Forks Campground
4.5824 reviewsForest Rt. 140 west, Nemo, SD 57759
Boxelder Forks Campground
$18.00 - $21.50 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$18.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
The fee structure is $18 per day plus $2 per pet, per night. For single units the fee is $21.50/night.
About this campground
Discover the dual personality of Boxelder Forks Campground, where two distinct camping experiences await in the heart of Black Hills National Forest. Choose your adventure: immerse yourself in the rustic, undeveloped section where tent camping takes you back to nature's basics, or settle into the refined comfort of well-maintained sites featuring level grounds, groomed grass carpets, and the sheltering embrace of mature pine trees—perfect for RV travelers. Whichever path you choose, the gentle murmur of Boxelder Creek provides a constant companion, weaving through both sections and creating a soundtrack of serenity for your wilderness escape.
The campground accommodates a mix of tent camping and smaller RVs. It is divided into two sections, with one open year-round and the other more suited for RVs with level sites and groomed grass. Primitive camping is available in the first section.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal transformation of the Black Hills at Boxelder Forks. Winter blankets the campground in pristine snow, creating a crystalline wonderland for the hardy adventurer. As spring awakens the forest with refreshing rains, summer emerges as the sweet spot for camping, offering crisp mornings around 40°F that warm to pleasant 80°F afternoons—ideal for both trail adventures and creekside relaxation. Autumn brings its own magic with golden light filtering through the pines and occasional showers that enhance the forest's earthy aromatics.
ElevationPerched at 4,700 feet above sea level, Boxelder Forks offers a natural air conditioning system courtesy of its mountain elevation. This lofty position creates an ideal microclimate where summer heat becomes a distant memory, replaced by cool, pine-scented breezes and panoramic vistas that stretch across the undulating landscape of the Black Hills.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living postcard where majestic ponderosa pines stretch skyward, their vanilla-scented bark telling stories of centuries past. Dramatic rock spires punctuate the forest canopy like nature's skyscrapers, while Boxelder Creek dances alongside the campground, its crystal-clear waters home to rainbow and brown trout that tempt anglers to try their luck. Adventure beckons just a half-mile from the entrance, where the legendary Centennial Trail invites hikers and bikers to explore 111 miles of Black Hills beauty.
Geological RegionImmerse yourself in the geological wonderland of Black Hills National Forest, where ancient forces sculpted a landscape of contrasts. Here, weathered granite spires rise like sentinels among seas of ponderosa pines, creating a dramatic backdrop for your camping experience. Boxelder Creek has carved its own story through this terrain, its persistent flow creating a riparian ribbon that adds life and movement to the forest's timeless grandeur.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features, such as wheelchair-friendly toilets, are mentioned.
Sites SizeSites are described as well-defined, level, and surrounded by mature pine trees. They provide adequate room for tents or small RVs.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy between campsites is created through separation rather than vegetation. The campground is noted for its quiet and peaceful setting.
Total Campsites13 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites closer to the creek for scenic views and tranquility. Avoid sites near ATVs if seeking peace.
Best CampsitesSite 4 is highly praised for its privacy and proximity to the creek.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit is 10 days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Not specified.
Groups
No group-specific camping sites are available at this campground.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of 13 sites divided into two sections: one rustic for tents and another suited for RVs with groomed grass.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 18 through September 10, weather permitting. Three sites remain open year-round.
Reservation PlatformsNot applicable as reservations are not available.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability only. Sites are available first-come-first-served; users have noted the campground is peaceful and tucked away with good privacy between sites.
Cancellation PolicyReservations are not available. Sites operate on a first-come-first-served basis.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Boxelder Forks Campground offers opportunities for hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The nearby Centennial Trail (0.5 miles from the campground) provides various recreational options, and Boxelder Creek offers fishing for Rainbow and Brown trout. The picturesque environment is ideal for enjoying nature.
Hiking
The Centennial Trail, located 0.5 miles from the campground entrance, offers hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and motorized vehicle access (for vehicles less than 62 inches wide). User feedback highlights the trail’s proximity and the scenic environment.Fishing
Boxelder Creek, adjacent to the campground, is noted for fishing opportunities, particularly for Rainbow and Brown trout. User reviews often mention the peacefulness of the creek.Biking
The Centennial Trail permits mountain biking, providing a unique opportunity for cyclists to explore the area’s natural beauty.Wildlife viewing
The campground’s location next to Boxelder Creek and within a mature pine forest provides opportunities for observing wildlife. User reviews frequently mention the scenic and serene surroundings.Winter Activities
The campground remains partially open during the winter, with three sites available year-round. Winter campers have highlighted the peaceful environment and the ability to use frozen streams for utility purposes.Water Sports
No water sports, such as kayaking or paddle boarding, are supported at this campground.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires permitted within designated fire rings.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include difficult road conditions during rainy weather, populated yellow jackets, and freezing winter temperatures as noted by campers.
Weather forecast
71
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 27%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 7.3 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Northern Hills Ranger District, Address: 2014 N. Main Street, Spearfish, SD 57783, Phone: (605) 642-4622
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 18 - September 10
Trash and recyclingNo information is provided regarding trash and recycling facilities or services.
Proximity to water featuresBoxelder Creek runs alongside the campground, offering fishing opportunities for rainbow and brown trout.
Common complaintsRecurring complaints include crowdedness during peak seasons, noise from ATVs, and difficulty navigating roads during wet conditions.
HostHosts Bob and Barb have served for 27 years and are highly praised for their hospitality and maintenance of clean facilities.
Campground Map
Forest Rt. 140 west, Nemo, SD 57759
Driving directionsIn Nemo, at the intersection of Nemo Rd. and Boxelder Forks Rd., take Forest Rt. 140 west 1.9 miles to campground on right.
Access requires navigating Forest Rt. 140 or Boxelder Forks Rd. west from Nemo, approximately 1.9 miles. The road conditions can be difficult during rainy weather, as noted by user reviews: "the road out to Nemo was difficult to navigate on a Harley but we did it." Another user commented: "The road in is in poor condition but the campground is nice."Nearby places
Nemo (1.9 miles, approximately 5-minute drive)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are likely in Nemo, but specific distances and stores were not provided. User reviews indicate reliance on Spearfish, SD (about 20 miles away).
Camper Reviews
4.6
24 reviews
Boxelder Forks Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Boxelder Forks Campground are generally positive, emphasizing its serene, rustic atmosphere, clean facilities, and the helpfulness of the campground hosts. While some users note issues like ATVs and yellow jackets, these do not overshadow the overall peaceful and picturesque experience.
Review Summaries
Based on 24 reviews
What Campers Love
Common positive themes include the quiet and scenic environment, the friendly and long-term hosts, and the cleanliness of the facilities. The creek running adjacent to the sites is frequently...
Based on 24 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Some users mention noise disruptions from ATVs and the presence of yellow jackets. A few reviews note challenges with road conditions during rainy weather.
Based on 24 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Arrive early to secure a site, as reservations are not available. Winter campers should be prepared for cold conditions and limited site availability. Users recommend taking advantage of the...
Based on 24 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer reviews highlight the campground's lush environment and the enjoyment of the creek. Winter reviews emphasize the solitude and peacefulness, though access may be challenging due to weather...
Based on 24 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'Fell in love with the first site we saw. Original plan was to camp around every couple of days and explore other campsites in the Black Hills but we became enamored with this tucked away spot...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Campsite 4 is specifically noted in one review: 'Really enjoyed staying at campsite 4. The camp host was very friendly and has a great old dodge.' Other reviews praise riverside sites for their...
Based on 24 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No specific reviews address accessibility features.
Based on 24 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, and there is a $2 fee per pet per night. No additional details or reviews specifically address pet-related experiences.
Based on 24 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025